Antiques dealer Sean Scherer, owner of New York's Kabinett and Kammer, on how to turn vintage treasures into innovative home decor

Put the Writing on the Wall

Put the Writing on the Wall

A fan of Russian art and design, Scherer found graphic appeal in a stack of '60s Ukrainian newspapers, just $20 at a Pennsylvania flea market. Then he placed the pages where he could really admire them — along two walls and the ceiling of a downstairs bathroom — using wallpaper paste and a flat craft sealant (such as Liquitex Matte Medium). Also in the room: an antique medical stand that acts as a caddy for hand towels.

Built-In Bookcase

Built-In Bookcase

To establish enough storage and display space for his growing collections, Scherer installed custom cabinets and shelves throughout his house. In each case, he combined salvaged furniture — from wood-paneled doors to full sets of lockers — with standard Home Depot materials, plus his own sweat equity.

The catalyst for this wide bookshelf in Scherer's living room? Three cabinet doors that cost a total of $75 at a local salvage yard. Scherer built the unit's frame, attached the doors in a playfully mismatched arrangement, and unified it all with a coat of white paint.